Chris Maxwell

Political figures have united in support of new Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn after he was swept to power in a landslide victory.

Veteran left-winger Mr Corbyn secured almost 60 per cent of the votes cast by party members.

In a result which marks a fundamental change of direction for the party, the Islington North MP defeated rivals Andy Burnham, Yvette Cooper and Liz Kendall in the first round of counting, taking 251,417 (59.5%) of the 422,664 votes cast.

The stunning win completed a remarkable turnaround for the long-serving backbencher, who was a rank outsider when he finally mustered enough support to get his name on the ballot paper for the contest at the 11th hour.

North East MPs have been quick to back the new party leader.

Jarrow MP Stephen Hepburn hailed Mr Corbyn’s success a ‘great day for socialism’ - and says the party can return to Government at the next election.

Mr Hepburn said: ““I am very optimistic about the future.

“I think we will see a Labour party giving people hope and aspiration.

“There is no reason why we can’t start winning seats in the South of the country.

“Jeremy is going to rattle a few cages.

“I have served on committees with Jeremy, and i agree with his views on all sorts of things.